Alford Banner

We would like to extend our gratitude to all of the families, friends and attendees who have come together today to celebrate the life of Alford R. Banner, Jr., who preferred to be called, Al. All of us have known him in a variety of roles as husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, God father and friend.

Al was born to Ethel Dyer and Alford Banner, Sr. on September 28, 1976 at Harlem Hospital in New York. He grew up in the Bronx and attended Immaculate Conception School and then he later went on to Cardinal Hayes High School.

Al loved music and he was very passionate about it. At a young age he was always dancing and loved being the life of the party. As he got older he taught himself how to work the turntables and became an amazing and talented Dee Jay, known to everyone as "DJ AWOL". He knew how to get the party moving and brought so many people great joy.

Al was talented in many ways. As a teen and young adult, he enjoyed drawing, skateboarding, dancing and later went on to take computer classes. He had several jobs which included Harlem Hospital, Enterprise Car Rental company, to name a few. Al began to find his place when he started working for Bernard Fineson DDSO and then for HALO Network as well as part-time at WellLife network, where he gained satisfaction working with Developmentally Delayed Adults and he became the Shelter Manager.

Al was a quiet person. He was hard working, dedicated, and a perfectionist. Whatever he did was well done. Al was a good cook and enjoyed his Jack Daniels.

Al was a family man and leaves many loved ones behind including his mother and father. He is predeceased by his daughter, Lauryn (exactly twenty-three years ago today, on January 6th) and leaves behind his daughter, Dèjá and his son, Jahking. Alford later met the love of his life, Suzanne Banner, and got married in July 2016, and he became a dad to Taevon and Tavion and moved to Coram, NY. He also leaves behind his sister, Odalys, brother-in-law Dwayne, and nephew Josiah along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

Al will be missed. His gentle nature, his infectious smile, and his mischievous ways, which all brought so many people joy and happiness.

Rest in perfect peace dear Al, until we meet again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rstutzmannandsonfuneralhome.com for the Banner family.